A high-ranking Turkish diplomat, Hakan Fidan, is set to meet with US officials in Washington, seeking the lifting of US sanctions against Turkey and its re-entry into a major fighter jet program. This visit comes as Ankara under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to warm up relations with Washington under the administration of Donald Trump.
Fidan met with US Senator Marco Rubio on Tuesday, following a phone call between Trump and Erdogan. The ties between the US and Turkey have been drifting apart in recent years, with disagreements between the two long-standing partners increasing.
Under the previous US administration of Joe Biden, Turkey was kept at arm’s length due to its perceived close ties with Russia. Under Trump, who is more favorable towards Moscow, Ankara hopes for a better relationship with Washington.
During the meetings, the Turkish diplomat is expected to emphasize the importance of discussing the beginning of work on lifting CAATSA sanctions and the country’s return to the F-35 program, a Turkish diplomatic source, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
After Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system, the US in 2020 carried out its threat to exclude Turkey from the F-35 program. Ankara considers the exclusion as unfair and illegal and demands the resumption or compensation for its investments in the program.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has abandoned Biden’s policy of isolating Moscow and supporting Kiev and instead focused on ending the Ukraine war. This shift in policy has alarmed European leaders, who fear Washington might turn its back on Europe and has strengthened Ankara’s role as a potential partner in redefining European security.
A Turkish official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that the talks between Washington and Ankara have taken on a new dimension after Trump’s changed stance towards Moscow.
“If the US sanctions on Russia are lifted, it is illogical to apply CAATSA sanctions on third countries. This is not just about the relations between Turkey and the US, but also about the relations between Turkey and Russia” the Turkish official added.
The exclusion from the F-35 program has pushed Turkey to acquire F-16 fighter jets. Although an agreement was reached on the delivery, there have been few progress in the procurement process in recent months.
Fidan is also expected to discuss the Ukraine war, recent developments in Syria and the situation in the Gaza Strip during his visit, according to the Turkish source.